When fall arrives, pumpkin spice season comes right along with it. If you’re looking for a cozy, sweet, and effortless treat, these no bake pumpkin cheesecake balls are a perfect choice. They’re creamy, bite-sized, and packed with the comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices. Best of all? You don’t even need to turn on your oven.
This recipe is one of the most versatile easy delicious holiday desserts. It works as a dessert for Thanksgiving easy enough to make ahead, a creative addition to sweets for Thanksgiving spreads, or even a last-minute treat when you need things to make with ingredients at home.
Whether you’re serving them at a dinner table, holiday party, or simply storing them for an afternoon snack, these cheesecake bites will quickly become one of your favorite fall simple desserts.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Cheese Balls Recipe
There are countless pumpkin desserts out there, but here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your collection:
- No Baking Required – Skip the oven and whip these up in minutes.
- Perfect for Parties – A standout among easy dessert party ideas that impress without stress.
- Portable and Shareable – Bite-sized treats are easy to serve and pack.
- Festive Flavor – Pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg make these irresistible sweets for Thanksgiving.
- Pantry-Friendly – You likely already have the ingredients on hand, making it one of the easiest things to make with ingredients at home.
If you enjoy quick desserts, you might also like pumpkin truffles, another no-bake fall favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need for No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls
This recipe keeps it simple while delivering maximum flavor.
Pumpkin and Cream Cheese – The Base
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
Sweeteners and Spices
- 1 cup powdered sugar (or low-sugar substitute if desired)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Coatings and Toppings
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or almond flour for low-carb option)
- 1 cup crushed gingersnap cookies
- Optional: melted white or dark chocolate for drizzling
- Optional: crushed pecans or walnuts for added crunch
For more Thanksgiving-friendly desserts, check out pumpkin cheesecake cookies—another seasonal treat that’s easy and festive.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
You don’t need any special tools—just the basics:
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
These same tools are useful for other snack idea recipes like pumpkin protein muffins.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pumpkin Cheese Balls Recipe
Preparing the Creamy Base
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, vanilla, and spices. Mix until creamy and well blended.
Rolling and Shaping the Balls
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
Adding Coatings for Flavor and Texture
- Roll each ball in graham cracker crumbs, gingersnap crumbs, or crushed nuts.
- Place coated balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
Chill for another 30 minutes before serving.
For another quick no-bake idea, try pumpkin fluff dip, which pairs perfectly with cookies or fruit.
Easy Dessert Party Ideas Using Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls
These little bites are a party planner’s dream. Here’s how to serve them at gatherings:
- Arrange on a festive platter with assorted coatings.
- Serve with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go snacking.
- Pair with other easy delicious holiday desserts like pumpkin dump cake.
- Add them to a holiday dessert charcuterie board for variety.
They’re perfect for Friendsgiving, potlucks, or as a make-ahead dessert for busy hosts.
Things to Make With Ingredients at Home – Why This Recipe is Pantry-Friendly
Most of the ingredients—cream cheese, sugar, pumpkin puree, and spices—are staples in the pantry or fridge during the fall season. That makes these cheesecake bites one of the most practical things to make with ingredients at home when you need a last-minute treat.
For another simple pantry-friendly recipe, try pumpkin zucchini bread.
Easy Delicious Holiday Desserts – Perfect for Fall Gatherings
The holidays call for cozy flavors, and pumpkin delivers every time. These cheesecake balls are:
- Festive in flavor and presentation.
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved.
- A lighter option compared to traditional pies.
They’re one of the best easy delicious holiday desserts because they’re quick, pretty, and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
Dessert for Thanksgiving Made Easy with Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls
Pumpkin pie is a classic, but not everyone wants to bake. These pumpkin cheese balls recipes offer:
- A bite-sized alternative to pie.
- A no-bake solution when oven space is limited.
- A crowd-pleaser for guests of all ages.
They easily join your lineup of Thanksgiving desserts easy enough to prepare ahead of time.
Creative Sweets for Thanksgiving to Pair With This Recipe
Pair your cheesecake balls with other sweets for Thanksgiving to build a dessert spread:
This combination ensures there’s something for every palate at the table.
Fall Simple Desserts – Quick Treats with Seasonal Flavors
Pumpkin is the ultimate fall flavor. These cheesecake bites join the list of fall simple desserts that are:
- Quick to prepare.
- Easy to adapt with toppings.
- Portable and mess-free.
For another seasonal favorite, you might like pumpkin cinnamon rolls.
Snack Idea Recipes – Enjoy Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls Anytime
While they shine at the holidays, these bites also work as:
- Afternoon pick-me-ups.
- Lunchbox treats.
- Late-night sweet cravings.
They’re a wonderful addition to snack idea recipes that fit any season.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making No Bake Pumpkin Desserts
- Using pumpkin pie filling – Always use puree to control sweetness.
- Skipping chilling time – The mixture won’t roll properly if too soft.
- Overloading coatings – Too much can overwhelm the cheesecake flavor.
- Storing at room temp – Always refrigerate to keep them firm.
Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare a day in advance for stress-free hosting.
For another freezer-friendly dessert, try pumpkin brownies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Cheese Balls
Can I make these low-carb?
Yes, substitute almond flour for graham crackers and use a low-carb sweetener.
Can I coat them in chocolate?
Absolutely! A chocolate shell makes them even more indulgent.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes, rolling the balls and dipping them in coatings is a fun task for kids.
Do they taste like pumpkin pie?
Yes, they have the same flavor profile, just in a bite-sized, no-bake version.
Final Thoughts on This Thanksgiving Dessert Recipe
These no bake pumpkin cheesecake balls are the ultimate easy delicious holiday desserts. They’re festive, creamy, and versatile enough for dessert for Thanksgiving easy prep, snack idea recipes, or even fall simple desserts on a busy weekday.
If you’re looking for sweets for Thanksgiving that wow without stress, this recipe is your answer. Share them with loved ones, bring them to your next party, and add them to your holiday menu.
For even more festive inspiration, try pairing them with apple pie dip with cinnamon sugar chips or pumpkin truffles for a complete dessert spread.
Print
No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls Recipe for Easy Holiday Desserts
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 20 cheesecake balls 1x
Description
These No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls are bite-sized, creamy, and full of pumpkin spice flavor. Quick to make, holiday-friendly, and versatile for parties, snacks, or gifting—this recipe is a festive fall dessert that requires no oven time.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (plus more for rolling)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 8 ounces white chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate (for coating, optional)
- Optional Toppings: Crushed pecans or walnuts, shredded coconut, festive sprinkles, cocoa powder dusting
Instructions
- Mix the Base: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, vanilla, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until creamy.
- Add the Crumbs: Stir in graham cracker crumbs until mixture holds together (soft but not sticky).
- Chill the Mixture: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll into Balls: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form bite-sized balls. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Coat & Decorate: Melt chocolate and dip balls, or roll in nuts, sprinkles, or coconut.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate 15–20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Always chill mixture before rolling for easier handling.
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
- For vegan version, substitute dairy-free cream cheese and chocolate.
- Store in fridge up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday, No-Bake
- Method: No-Bake, Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Keywords: No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls, pumpkin spice desserts, holiday no bake recipes, Thanksgiving sweets, fall simple desserts, snack idea recipes
